Israel & Overseas

The Jewish Federation has a strong focus on Israel. We are very active in supporting and protecting Israel through advocacy, funding, scholarship and travel opportunities, programming and partnerships.

Our extended Jewish family overseas also receives our attention and funding.

  • Our Work in Israel: Find out how we fund and support programs in Israel
  • Israel Advocacy: We advocate on behalf of Israel and a just peace in the Middle East through numerous channels and methods.
  • Our Partner Communities in Israel: Find out about our partner communities in Israel, Hof Ashkelon and Kiryat Malachi.
  • Travel to Israel: Find out more about travel opportunities to Israel and how the Jewish Federation can find a trip that best fits you. 
  • Scholarships: We offer scholarships to Israel and can coordinate with other scholarship options.
  • Volunteering Abroad: Find unique opportunities to volunteer in Israel and around the world.
  • Israeli Media: Find media and resources relating to Israel
  • Israel For Kids: Opportunities to connect kids with Israel
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Israel & Overseas News

Summer Host Families Needed!

Posted on Tuesday Apr 17, 2012 11:57 AM

Three Israeli counselors will be visiting to work with our Jewish youth at the Stroum Jewish Community Center this summer through the TIPS Partnership. We are looking for several families to host our three female counselors for a 3-6 week period from July to August.

If you have an 18 or 19-year-old child at home this summer, hosting an Israeli counselor presents a wonderful chance for your child to show off Jewish American hospitality and make a new friend. This is a great opportunity to have a taste of Israel in your home!

Senator Ed Murray's Statement on Israeli LGBT Delegation's Visit

Posted on Wednesday Mar 21, 2012 8:12 AM

Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, issued the following statement regarding the recent Washington visit by the Alliance of Israeli LGBTQ Educational Organizations:

Last week, a group of lesbian and gay delegates from Israel stopped in Seattle as part of a West Coast tour to promote awareness of LGBT issues within their country. In the ensuing days since their arrival, there appears to be a growing impression that no leaders of Washington's LGBT community would agree to meet with them. While it is true that the Seattle LGBT Commission rescinded an invitation to meet with the delegation under pressure from a small, vocal opposition, on the whole this impression is incorrect.

Federation Disappointed by Seattle LGBT Commission's Canceling of Event with Israeli LGBTQ Activists

Posted on Monday Mar 19, 2012 12:06 PM

UPDATE: The LGBT Commission has issued an apology. Read it here.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle is disappointed that Seattle's LGBT Commission chose to cancel a planned event with six Israeli LGBTQ activists. These six activists represent a broad cross section of the Israeli LGBT community. Some have been fighting for LGBT civil rights in Israel for more than 30 years. They have challenged law and custom through court challenges, and have built an effective network of supporting organizations that enable children and adults to be supported and live a normal, "out" life in a country with unique challenges.

Rocket Attacks Continue in Southern Israel

Posted on Thursday Mar 15, 2012 9:37 AM

Despite Tuesday's cease-fire announcement, Palestinians in Gaza fired seven more rockets toward Israel's south. Israel's Air Force responded by firing on what it called "terrorist activity sites" in northern Gaza early Wednesday.

The latest escalation has seen more than 220 rockets fired from Gaza into southern Israel since March 9 with eight reported injured and dozens treated for shock.

An Update on Our Partnership Region in Israel From Ira Kerem

Posted on Thursday Mar 15, 2012 11:29 AM

March 12 -- As you all know, missiles from Gaza are again falling on Israel. In Hof Ashkelon, over a dozen missiles have fallen on empty fields of kibbutzim and moshavim. Thanks to the Ministry of Defense, schools and kindergartens in the five communities within 7 kilometers of the border have been reinforced-protected by new roofs, or have been completely rebuilt. The educational institutions in these communities have not been closed. Other schools and kindergartens in the other communities have been closed since Shabbat.

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